The opening ceremony of the Ter Kunav Cup, otherwise known as the Royal Rumble may have come and gone, but the memories will linger throughout the competition and beyond.
The Vandeikya Township Stadium in Benue State came alive yet again last Wednesday with the opening match between Mbaduku Ward FC and Ningev Ward FC. heralding the start of the Royal Competition.
The opening ceremony was witnessed by a creme de la creme of dignitaries from business, sports, political and other platforms who were all united by the beautiful game of football. They were led into the arena by the Chief Host, HRH Ter Kunav, Chief Nyiyongo Achiaku and his amiable wife, Nguveren.
Notable dignitaries that graced the event were the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Tsoho and his beautiful wife. Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, Business tycoon, Peter Chieshe, Chief Ben Akaaka, Engr. Uganden, Acting Chairman, Vandeikya Local Government Council, Barr. Alex Ter Tyonongo amongst many others. The event also had in attendance over 13 chairmen of local government football councils in Benue State who came in solidarity with and support for their colleague, Mr Robert T. Akpenpuun.
In his welcome speech, HRH Ter Kunav applauded the ingenuity and passion of the initiator of the competition, Mr. Robert Akpenpuun and called on all Kunav sons and daughters to support the football council to realize their dream and vision for the good of budding youngsters in Kunavland. He thanked the dignitaries for finding time out of their tight schedules to attend the event, saying it showed the spirit of oneness of the Kunav people.
In his speech, the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Tsoho who is also the sponsor of the competition hailed Akpenpuun for pioneering a sporting revolution in Vandeikya that is bringing unity and progress among the people.
“We hope that this will grow in this environment and with time, we’ll see a more robust competition attracting more sponsorship, with politicians and Businessmen who are more endowed with wealth taking up the gauntlet” Tsoho said.
Continuing, the Chief Justice thanked the Ter Kunav for agreeing that he plays the role noting that it was his desire to provide an atmosphere for youth development and empowerment with their exposure having the potential for unity, prosperity and progress.
In his submission, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa said he was happy to meet Akpenpuun and to identify with the progressive dream of grooming young people for a secured future.
”I’m the closest neighbour with you that has no dispute and this is non – partisan but purely to groom young people for a secured future.. in case anyone will give a different interpretation to what we are doing here” Aondoakaa explained, calling on other local governments to follow the Vandeikya example. He went further to unveil the Raffle for the Bajaj motorcycle to be won by a lucky fan with the sum of N100,000.00 cash and directed that the tickets be given to mostly widows and the elderly and promised to provide his product, ”Miva Rice” as a consolatory prize to the fans. In the same vein, the wife of Ter Kunav, HRM Chief Mrs Nguveren Achiaku also donated N50,000.00 cash as raffle tickets for young girls and widows in the council wards.
Managing Director, Newland Foods, Mr Peter Chieshe promised to donate a giant pig as a consolation prize for the fans even as Chief Ben Akaaka also pledged the sum of N100,000.00 in support of the football council.
Responding on behalf of the Council, the Chairman, Vandeikya Local Government Football Council, Mr Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun thanked all present for their support but like Oliver Twist sought more support, financially or otherwise in order to drive the vision to a successful end. He promised to apply donated resources judiciously to what they were meant for.
One of the attractions at the ceremony was the performance by Tiger Man and his dance group who debunked the rumour that he and his group were killed by the militia during the burial of Dr Terkula Suswam as he rendered a soulful song to that effect to the admiration of all.
The tension soaked opening match ended in favour of Ningev Ward FC who ran away with a two-nil victory over Mbaduku Ward FC. even as celebrations continued deep into the night.
Meanwhile, the Ter Kunav Cup continues today, 9th April 2021 with a match between Mbagbera Ward FC and Nyumangbagh Ward FC at the Vandeikya Township Stadium by 4 pm with Mbagbam and Mbayongo slugging it out on Saturday, same time and at the same venue.
